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"A lad an' a lamp" is considered to be a classic example of pre-code shorts. Hal Roach created the series in the 1920's and the early episodes were silent. Originally shown in theaters as "Our Gang" Comedies.

Originally distributed by MGM Early TV syndication packages included this title "uncut".

TV distributer: King Features In later years, the episode was heavily edited.

Eventually "pulled" from the series.

A very young Spanky, and a dapper Stymie shine in this short.

Given the chance to make wishes with a magic lamp, Stymie wishes for a watermelon....a BIG watermelon...

An Italian grocer rolls a watermelon to the kids..

Stymie wishes for fried chicken and to get his pappy out of jail.

Spanky changes Cotton into a monkey... (all he needs is a tail)

Uncut versions include: Scaring the cook from the diner.

Cook: Do you loves me honey???? Gimme the biggest kiss you've got...

Spanky: Gimme another pie, and this time keep your fingers out it...

Italian Grocer: Thats'a the monkey down at at the Theatre..."

Winner: Sundance Grand Jury Prize 2005 Why We Fight is such a compelling and thought provoking film, that I forgot to eat my popcorn. I caught a screening while visiting Toronto, since it's only playing in one theater in the Washington D.C. area. Why We Fight exposes the United States war machine, and the money and people involved in keeping it running. President Eisenhower warned our country about this in his farewell address, where he coined the phrase, "military industrial complex". Ike knew the military well from his years as a highly decorated general during WWII, yet as president, he could not stop the military build-up during the cold war. When war is profitable, you will find reasons (or make them up) to go to war. A must see for every single voting American!

If you ever get a chance to see this film, don't miss it. The whole look of this film is itchy & dated, but that's what makes watching this film so much fun! Thank god that special effects have improved greatly over the past 35+ years, but considering what they had to work with, I think they did a great job. Some of the special effects folks went on to work on numerous films such as Superman, X-Men and The Bride of Chucky. Sadly, I don't think this title was ever available on video... (going ALL the way back to the Beta days.) It WAS available as a 16mm rental back in the early 70's. Warner Bros or Seven Arts handled the US distribution, so it's most likely in Ted Turner's holdings. It would be nice to see this on TCM someday.